Springfield, MA – A senior member of Governor Maura Healey’s administration has been fired following his arrest on drug trafficking and firearm charges, after investigators allegedly intercepted large quantities of cocaine linked to a state office building in Springfield.
The Incident: Arrest of State Official in Drug Trafficking Probe
Authorities announced the arrest of Lamar Cook, 45, of Springfield, who served as the deputy director of Gov. Healey’s western Massachusetts office. Cook was taken into custody on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during a traffic stop in Springfield as part of a major narcotics investigation.
According to Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, Cook faces multiple charges including trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
The arrest followed a series of drug seizures and search operations that authorities say connect directly to Cook’s professional office at a Massachusetts state facility.
Investigation and Evidence: Seizure of Cocaine from State Office Building
Prosecutors revealed that on October 27, 2025, investigators searched Cook’s office at the Springfield State Office Building, located at 436 Dwight Street, as part of an ongoing controlled delivery operation.
“The controlled delivery took place at 436 Dwight St., the Springfield State Office Building, where the suspect was employed,” Gulluni’s office said in a statement. “On Monday night, October 27, investigators executed a search warrant of the suspect’s former office within the office building.”
Authorities reported that the controlled delivery resulted in the interception of approximately 17 pounds of cocaine. The following search of Cook’s workspace allegedly yielded additional evidence connecting him to previous narcotics trafficking activity.
Investigators also tied Cook to a prior operation on October 10, 2025, at Hotel UMass in Amherst, where about 28 pounds of cocaine were seized from suspicious packages. Gulluni’s office said evidence from that seizure was consistent with the narcotics recovered in Springfield.
“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery,” the district attorney’s statement confirmed.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
During Wednesday’s arraignment, prosecutors outlined the scope of the ongoing investigation and requested that Cook remain held without bail due to the seriousness of the offenses. The presiding judge agreed, ordering Cook to remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for Friday.
If convicted, Cook faces severe penalties, including lengthy mandatory prison sentences under Massachusetts drug trafficking statutes, as well as additional penalties for illegal firearm possession.
Official Response from the Governor’s Office
Following the arrest, Governor Maura Healey’s office confirmed Cook’s immediate termination and condemned the alleged actions as a serious breach of public trust.
“The governor’s office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”
The Governor’s team also emphasized that Cook’s alleged criminal activity was not connected to the policy operations of the administration and that full cooperation would continue with law enforcement agencies.
Background Context: Expanding Cocaine Trafficking Investigations
Officials say Cook’s arrest is part of a larger regional drug trafficking investigation targeting multi-pound cocaine distributions across western Massachusetts. The recent seizures—totaling over 45 pounds of cocaine between Amherst and Springfield—represent one of the largest narcotics investigations in the region this year.
Authorities are now working to determine whether Cook acted alone or as part of a wider trafficking network. Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, are reportedly assisting in the probe.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Cook is expected to appear in Springfield District Court on Friday, October 31, 2025, for a pretrial detention hearing. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office has indicated that additional charges or co-conspirator arrests could follow as investigators analyze digital evidence and communication records seized from Cook’s office and personal devices.
Law enforcement sources described the investigation as “active and far-reaching”, noting that the drug shipments appear to have involved organized distribution channels across multiple cities in Massachusetts.
Conclusion
The arrest and firing of Lamar Cook, a senior aide to Governor Healey, has raised concerns about integrity within state offices and the scope of narcotics activity connected to public employees. As prosecutors prepare their case, both the Governor’s administration and law enforcement have pledged full transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation
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